Jesus Came to Bring Us Great Joy
December 9, 2018
Scripture: Luke 2:8-20
Luke 2:10: “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”
I. Jesus came to bring us the great joy of good news.
A. The good news is announced in vs. 11: “For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” The three titles given to Jesus in this verse let us know why Jesus is such good news. First, the angel said that Jesus is a Savior. Why is it such good news that Jesus is a Savior? If you have ever sinned against God, you need a Savior. He saves us by taking away our guilt by dying for our sins in our place on the cross.
B. Jesus is also the Christ (vs. 11). The word Christ is a title which means anointed one or Messiah. Over many years the prophets of Israel had told the nation of a descendant of King David who would come and fulfill all of the hopes and dreams of Israel. Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah. And Jesus was also Lord (vs. 11). Isaiah 9:6: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
II. Jesus brings the great joy of glory to God.
A. It was fine for one angel to announce the good news of Jesus’ birth (vs. 9), but it was not good enough for one angel to respond to this good news. The response called for an army of angels because the news was so glorious. The army of angels praised God in vs. 14 by saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.” The angels let the shepherds know about the significance of Jesus.
B. This child will be the greatest revelation of the glory of God. Through their praise the angels were inviting the shepherds to praise God as well for Jesus which they will do in vs. 20. Praising Jesus completes our joy in Jesus. We can praise Jesus and have joy in Jesus in all circumstances as we see in the example of Jesus’ mother Mary. We see the reaction of Mary to the announcement of her miraculous pregnancy in Luke 1:38: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” Mary’s response was one of worship.
III. Jesus brings the great joy of peace to people.
A. Since God always acts for His glory and our good, we know that the birth of Jesus brought us good. The good thing that Jesus brought to us according to vs. 14 was peace. The angels said, “Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” I think that there are three relationships in which God wants you to have the joy of peace: peace with God, peace with your own soul, and peace with other people as much as it depends on you. God wants you to have joyful tranquility in each of these relationships. It all starts with peace with God that we read about in Romans 5:1: “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” To be justified is a legal term. It is to be declared right and just by God the judge.
Application:
If you lack joy, remind yourself of the reasons Christians have for joy at Christmas.
Sources:
The Gospel of Luke
Commentary on Luke by Darrell Bock and sermon by John Piper
“Why Christ Came” by Joel Beeke